Swimming Pool Blog

How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool?

April 20, 2020

Are you dreaming of spending your days luxuriously floating in your own backyard pool? We don’t blame you! There are many benefits that come with having your own pool, but before you can enjoy them you’ll need to go through the process of designing and building it.

This leads to the million-dollar question — how long does it take to build a pool, anyway?

As with most things in life, this isn’t always as straightforward as we might like. There are some variables that impact the completion time for each individual pool project.

We won’t keep you hanging – the average time to build a general pool is anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. Here’s the ten steps involved in the pool building process and the estimated time needed for each.

1. Design Your Pool Project and Apply for Permits

When you decide you’re ready to build a pool, this is just the first of many important decisions you’ll need to make. Next, you’ll need to start exploring your options when it comes to size, shape, and other design elements.

Once you have an idea of your goals, a professional pool designer will be able to quickly provide you with 3D representations of your finished project. You may need to back and forth a few times before the design is finalized and ready to go.

In general, you can expect this process to take one to three weeks from the time of the initial consultation until the design is complete depending on how complex your custom pool will be and how many revisions are needed to get it just the way you want it.

The next step in building a swimming pool is to request the permits needed to legally build your pool. Unfortunately, this is one area where you and your pool contractors have little control. The amount of time it will take depends on the municipality you’re dealing with.

This process can take anywhere from 1 week to 2 months. However, once you have the permit in hand, you’re ready to start building your pool!

2. Initial Layout

With all the legalities in place, your pool builder can now come into your backyard and outline the shape and placement of your pool. They’ll typically do this with wooden stakes or form boards.

This is your opportunity to see exactly what the pool will look like on your property. At this time, they’ll also calculate your pool elevation and discuss the rest of the building process with you in detail.

Generally, this won’t take more than one or two days for an average pool.

3. Excavation

Now, the work can get started! The heavy machinery will show up and the contractors will start moving dirt. The excavation usually takes between one and two weeks.

Note that things like how accessible your backyard is, weather conditions, soil moisture levels, exposed utility lines, and natural obstructions (like boulders and branches) can all impact the time it takes to excavate your pool. Ultimately, there can be obstacles to a simple and clean excavation, but a professional pool construction company will be with you every step of the way keeping you in the loop on how things are progressing.

4. Framing

When the hole is dug out, the next step is to install the steel frame. This will give your pool its structure. Once this is installed, you’ll also be able to have a better idea of your pool’s exact shape.

It usually takes 1 to 3 days to complete the framing.

5. Plumbing and Pipes

Pipes and plumbing allow water to flow, which is important for running your filter, pump, and heater. This is one of the most important parts of the pool installation as it is critical to get right the first time to avoid unreasonable repair costs later on down the line. This process takes about a week.

6. Electrical

After the pipes are installed, it’s time to hook up the electrical connections. This will provide power for features like your lights, pump, heater, waterfalls, fountains, and so on. Expect this step to take a day or two.

7. Walls and Floor

When asking “How long does it take to build an inground pool,” this is the step that creates the most variation. The time to install the wall and floor depends on the material you choose to use.

For a fully custom concrete lined pool it can take anywhere from 20 to 60 days. This step not only is dependent on the design of your pool, but also the weather.

8. Tiling, Coping, and Aesthetics

Now that the pool is installed, it’s time to add creative touches. This includes decorative tile, coping, and decorative lining, like marble or brick. Depending on the choices you make, expect this to take 1 to 3 days.

Next, you’ll need to finish the pool up by adding your pool deck and decorative lighting (1 to 2 weeks) and landscaping (up to 1 week). Then, you’ll need to factor in time for any necessary clean-up and, for concrete pools, application of the final coating (1 to 2 weeks).

That’s it! The pool is in. But – you’re not done yet!

10. Prepare for Swimmers

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure your pool is ready for swimmers. This includes:

Filling your pool with water (2 to 3 days)

Installing the pool pump (1 to 3 hours)

Installing the pool filter (less than 48 hours)

Installing the pool heater (1 to 7 days depending on the heater type)

Adding pool chemicals (less than 24 hours)

There you have it! The low-down on the entire pool installation process and the approximate time it takes for each.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Pool? Get Your Custom Estimate Today!

Now that you understand that the answer to the question, “How long does it take to build a pool?” comes with a lot of variables, you know how important it is to get a professional estimate for your specific project.

Contact us today and schedule your appointment! We’ll help you decide on all of the important design elements, give you an accurate estimate, and let you know how long your specific project will take. Summer’s almost here, so don’t delay!